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19" Buddhist Deity Vajrasattva From Nepal

$3764.25
$5019
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Vajrasattva- the essence of Vajra or the supreme manifestation of wisdom is a Bodhisattva in the Vajrayana tradition, which in its simplest form is the materialization of the enlightened potential that resides among us all. As the crown prince of Buddha, Vajrasattva in this gilded copper Nepalese statue wears pristinely patterned attire, traditional ornaments, and an elaborate hairdo. The Vajra and bell in Vajrasattva’s hands are a union of wisdom and compassion, required to achieve the blessings of this mighty Bodhisattva. Richly inscribed, the statue on its reverse has the Vajra, deer, and chakra symbols empowering the composition. 

 

 

 

Specifications
MIU374
COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
Height: 19 inch
Width: 15 inch
Depth: 10 inch
Weight 8.70 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Purity and Enlightenment

This magnificent statue, crafted from copper and lavishly gilded with gold, presents Vajrasattva, one of the most significant figures in Tibetan Buddhism. Vajrasattva, whose name translates to "Vajra Being" or "Adamantine Being," is revered as the embodiment of purity, confession, and the primordial Buddha. His presence is central to purification rituals and Vajrayana initiations, symbolizing the unshakeable and incorruptible nature of enlightenment. The exquisite craftsmanship of this piece, originating from Nepal, captures the serene and powerful aura of this revered deity. ––––––––––––––––––

Iconographic Significance and Divine Attributes

The iconography of Vajrasattva is rich with symbolic meaning. He is typically depicted seated in the vajra posture, signifying unwavering stability. In his right hand, he holds a vajra, a ritual scepter representing skillful means and indestructibility, the very essence of enlightenment. In his left hand, he holds a vajra-bell (ghanta), symbolizing wisdom and the emptiness of all phenomena. The union of the vajra and bell represents the indivisible nature of ultimate reality. His serene expression, with closed eyes, reflects deep meditation and inner peace. The elaborate crown and jewelry adornments signify his divine status and the opulence of the enlightened mind. The lotus base upon which he sits is a universal symbol of purity, as the lotus grows unstained from the mud. ––––––––––––––––––

A Symbol of Purification and Inner Transformation

Vajrasattva plays a pivotal role in the spiritual path of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, particularly through his mantra, "Om Vajrasattva Hum." This powerful mantra is used for purification of negative karma, broken vows, and obscurations. It is believed to cleanse the mind and body, paving the way for spiritual realization. The practice associated with Vajrasattva is one of confession and repentance, acknowledging past mistakes and resolving to cultivate virtuous actions. This statue serves as a potent reminder of the importance of ethical conduct and the transformative power of sincere devotion and practice. Its presence can inspire practitioners to engage in self-reflection and to purify their minds, moving closer to the ultimate goal of Buddhahood. ––––––––––––––––––

Artistry from the Himalayan Tradition

Hailing from Nepal, a land deeply steeped in Buddhist traditions and renowned for its artistic heritage, this statue is a testament to the skill and devotion of its creators. The meticulous attention to detail, from the intricate patterns on his garments to the delicate features of his face, showcases the mastery of Himalayan artisans. The gold gilding not only enhances the visual splendor of the piece but also signifies the sacredness and purity associated with the Buddha-dharma. This statue is not merely an object of art; it is a sacred representation intended to inspire contemplation, devotion, and spiritual growth, bringing the presence of Vajrasattva into any space.

How are Nepalese copper statues made?

Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual purposes in their temples and monasteries.

Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process involves many steps and requires skilled artists.

The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills otherwise fine features will be lacking.

Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so that the wax flows away when it is heated.
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At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is obtained.

This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed and the statue within is revealed.
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The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools. It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.

Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold finish.
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The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique

for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details. Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.
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